More than a dozen members of their family have the condition, which is the second most prevalent movement disorder after Parkinson’s.

But instead of letting it get them down, the sisters, who both live in Skelton Green, have set up a support group to help sufferers.

They started Support For All in April 2006 when they realised there was nowhere else for people to go.

Sue, 41, and Sandra, 46, have now been nominated for a Community Champions award.

They have been put forward in the Champion Volunteer/Charity Worker category by Sue’s husband, Paul Waugh, 45, of Boosbeck Road, Skelton Green.

Paul said: “Dystonia is in the family. Not a lot of people knew about it then but it is getting better known now.

“The people who run it are volunteers and there is no charge for attending.”

Paul, the former coastguard who was shortlisted for a Community Champion award last year after rescuing a girl from a cliff side, said Sue had carried on the group despite having a serious fall last December. He said: “The time Sue spent in hospital, even though she was in terrible pain, her focus was to keep the group running.

“Even though she thought she might be in a wheelchair for a long time she just wanted the group to keep going. It was her grit and determination to carry on.”

Support For All is a self-funded group for adults with movement problems and long-term illnesses and their carers, family and friends.

It gives people the chance to join in arts and crafts such as painting, card-making and writing poetry.

Sue said there were about 14 members of their family with the condition. She said: “It’s lovely to be nominated. I’m a bit surprised.

“I am really proud. It is such a friendly, welcoming group.”

Sue needed to have a full knee reconstruction after last year’s accident. She said: “Paul said he was really proud of me for having the determination to carry on.

“The group is very important. It was set up originally for people with neurological conditions, in particular dystonia. It is now for any adults with long-term conditions.”

For most of the year the group meets every two weeks at Skelton Green village hall but during the winter it is once a month. The next meeting is on October 21.